The REU SITE: CENTER FOR EARLY RESEARCH EXPERIENCES IN FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a $465,895 Project Grant awarded by the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) program. This 3-year grant, active from March 2025 to February 2028, provides 10 undergraduate students per year with a 10-week summer research program focused on interdisciplinary projects in functional materials science and engineering. The program offers mentored research opportunities for students from two- and four-year institutions, allowing them to collaborate on topics such as flexible/wearable electronics, sustainable photovoltaics, and responsive biomaterials. In addition to hands-on laboratory work, the students will participate in professional development seminars and create teaching modules to share materials science concepts with local high school students. The program culminates in a research showcase where students can present their findings and expand their professional networks.